You might be aware of the English language standards established by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) if you've been thinking about studying or working in Australia. Typically, applicants must demonstrate their English language ability by a recognised language test to achieve these requirements. 

For Australian visa applications, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT is one of the recognised exams. The TOEFL iBT, which was formerly recognised as an English language test for Australian immigration, is now momentarily unavailable for visa purposes until further notice as of July 26, 2023.

TOEFL iBT Suspension: What You Need to Know

There is no need to be concerned if you have already taken the TOEFL iBT test for an Australian visa before July 26, 2023. 

Only individuals who are going to take the test after this date are affected by the suspension. As long as your TOEFL iBT scores were achieved prior to the specified cut-off date, they will be accepted for Australian visa applications.

The TOEFL iBT test will still be recognised by all Australian colleges and educational institutions, according to Rohit Sharma, SVP of Global Higher Education and Workskills at ETS. Therefore, whether you took the exam before or after July 26, your TOEFL scores will still be taken into account for admissions.

Revised TOEFL iBT: What's Changing

According to ETS, the updated TOEFL iBT features a better test registration process, more straightforward instructions for test takers, and a shortened Reading part when the revised version launched globally on July 26, 2023. 

In order to improve the test-taking experience, a new Writing portion named "Writing for an Academic Discussion" has been added, and the mid-test break has been eliminated, making the test's overall duration go from 3 hours to 2 hours. The Australian government is currently reviewing this new test, which has previously received approval from the Canadian government.

In accordance with a routine procedure the Department uses to assess English language test results, ETS has submitted the improved exam to the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) for evaluation. The DHA has received praise for completing an exhaustive examination to guarantee that strict guidelines for English proficiency tests are upheld.

Alternate English Language Tests for Australian Visas

There are various English language exams that candidates can take to satisfy the language criteria for Australian visas even though TOEFL iBT is presently unavailable. The following exams taken in a safe testing facility are accepted by the DHA as credit:

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• C1 Advanced, also known as Cambridge English (CAE)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE)
• Occupational English Test (OET), mostly used by healthcare professionals

The applicants' options for demonstrating their English language skills are broadened by these alternate exams.

FAQS

How long are English language test results valid when applying for an Australian visa?

Test results are usually valid for up to two years following the test date. To make sure your test results are still valid for your visa application, it is advised to check the test's specific validity period.

Are there any categories of visas for which the criteria for English language proficiency is not applicable?

Yes, there may be exceptions to the English language requirement for various visa subclasses, especially if the applicant is from a nation where English is the native tongue or if they have successfully completed specific levels of schooling in English.